Every Thursday morning, parents, grandparents and community members are invited to Healy Elementary in Bridgeport for a “second cup of coffee.” The gathering affords the school the opportunity to bring parents up to date on the school’s curriculum. For example, with the science fair fast approaching, the school made science the focus of the November sessions. The school even asked a private-sector partner, Harza Engineering, to send engineers to talk about what a science fair project should contain. More than 40 parents typically attend.

In 1996, the Consortium on Chicago School Research asked Chicago’s elementary teachers: How many of your students’ parents support your teaching efforts? The responses were: nearly all, 29%; most, 43%; about half 10%; some, 17%; none, 1%. Teachers also were asked how many parents do their best to help their children learn. The responses were: nearly all, 11%; most, 33%; about half 23%; some, 32%; none, 1%.

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Founded on the heels of the civil rights movement of the 1960s, The Chicago Reporter confronts racial and economic inequality, using the power of investigative journalism. Our mission is national but grounded in Chicago, one of the most segregated cities in the nation and a bellwether for urban policies.

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About Chicago Reporter

Founded on the heels of the civil rights movement of the 1960s, The Chicago Reporter confronts racial and economic inequality, using the power of investigative journalism. Our mission is national but grounded in Chicago, one of the most segregated cities in the nation and a bellwether for urban policies.